By giving back benefit accrues

By Michael PerssonContributing Writer

“Our work is never done,” said Renee Evangelista, co-partner-in-charge of Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP’s Rhode Island offices. “To retain and motivate our talented group of lawyers and staff, we are always looking for ways to improve our workplace.” More

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By giving back benefit accrues

DOING GOOD: Edwards Wildman Palmer asks its employees to embody a philosophy of "doing," whether at work or through outreach.

PHOTO COURTESY EDWARDS WILDMAN PALMER LLP

Posted:
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 9:35 am

By Michael PerssonContributing Writer

“Our work is never done,” said Renee Evangelista, co-partner-in-charge of Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP’s Rhode Island offices. “To retain and motivate our talented group of lawyers and staff, we are always looking for ways to improve our workplace.”

Fortunately for the Ocean State, Edwards Wildman has not just been hitting the mark professionally by providing top-notch legal services to the community. The firm asks of its staff that legendary question that seeks a broader, more self-analytical response: “Ask not what Edwards Wildman can do for you. Ask what you can do for Edwards Wildman.” And the staff of 219 has answered. The “do” describes the company’s philosophy of immersing itself in the community, because the community represents its workforce.

“We encourage our employees to be active in their local community. Our office has a charitable contributions committee comprised of employees, which selects a new charity monthly,” said Evangelista. Employees can wear jeans to the office once a month for a small donation; proceeds go to the designated charity.

But it is morale that produces results.

“We are always looking for new ways to make our workplace more enjoyable for everyone,” said Christopher D. Graham, Wildman Edwards’ other Rhode Island co-partner-in-charge. “We are rebuilding our office space, and we worked with our landlord to build out a gym. And we are updating technology.”

What that legendary question represents is a two-way street between employer and employee, one in which all the signs point to harmony and success. •

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